It wasn't a matter of "if." It was more a matter of when the Chico State volleyball team would channel their recent on-court frustrations into a near-flawless performance. Saturday at Acker Gym, the Wildcats delivered arguably their most consistent match since the very beginning of the 2021 season, combining for a sparkling .361 hitting percentage en route to a sweep of Cal State Dominguez Hills, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14.
Saturday's win snapped Chico State's three-match losing streak, and moved the 'Cats to 6-10 overall and 2-6 in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Dominguez Hills fell to 0-13 on the year and 1-7 in conference play (the Toros' CCAA win coming by forfeit).
The Wildcats' two super seniors led the attack. Makaela Keeve hammered home 12 kills to go along with two service aces, two blocks, and eight digs. Kelley Jacome added 11 kills, with Lizzie Wilson and Zoe DiNardo contributing six winners apiece.
Brooke Ono dished out 28 assists while posting 12 digs and three blocks. Kennedy Greenwood tallied eight digs, eight assists, and four aces for the victorious 'Cats.
Chico State set the tone early in the first set, coming out aggressively and grabbing a 12-6 lead on the strength of Keeve and Jane Mcnulty aces, and kills by Wilson, DiNardo, Jacome, and Keeve. Dominguez Hills drew to within 14-10, but the Wildcats widened their advantage, going up 20-13 courtesy of a Greenwood ace and kills by DiNardo, Wilson, and Keeve. The Toros could get no closer than four the rest of the way, with the 'Cats ultimately locking down the 25-20 win.
The Wildcats staked themselves to an 8-4 lead in the second set, only to see Dominguez Hills answer with a 9-4 run to jump out in front 13-12. A Chico State timeout helped to short-circuit the Toros' momentum, and the 'Cats combined three Dominguez Hills miscues with a Keeve ace, an Ono/Bree Rodriguez combo block, and kills by Jacome and Rodriguez to regain the lead at 23-20. The Toros tried to bounce back, but a Keeve kill and a combo block by Ono and Wilson sealed the deal on the Wildcats' 25-21 victory.
The first half of the third set was a more tightly-played affair, with Chico State holding a slim 8-7 lead. The Wildcats were still up 14-11 when they took control of the contest by reeling off six unanswered points—four coming by way of Toros errors—to extend their lead to 20-11. Two Greenwood aces and late kills by Keeve and Wilson helped the 'Cats pull away to easily take the set 25-14 and complete the match sweep.
Chico State will be back in action Wednesday, traveling to Turlock to take on Stanislaus State (8-8, 4-4 in the CCAA) at 5 p.m. Fans can follow the action online via live streaming and Live Stats, with links available on the Chico State volleyball schedule page and home page calendar on the Wildcat Athletics website, at chicowildcats.com.
The Wildcats then return to Acker Gym Friday to host Stanislaus State. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m.
